Hypersexual Disorder

Abstract Hypersexual disorder was proposed, but not accepted, for inclusion in DSM-5 as a sexual desire disorder characterized by an increased frequency and intensity of sexually motivated fantasies, arousal, urges, and enacted behavior. There are ongoing debates surrounding the nature, pathogenesis, and treatment of this putative condition. A number of conceptual models have been suggested, including a sexual desire dysregulation model, a sexual addiction and dependency model, sexual compulsivity models, and an ABC model addressing affective dysregulation (A), behavioral addiction (B), and cognitive dyscontrol (C). This chapter provides an overview of these models, as well as the relevant data on assessment, psychobiology, and intervention.